Let these products lessen any issues you might be experiencing when you’re nursing your baby.
Breastfeeding is an extremely enriching and rewarding experience for both mummy and baby. Yet, it’s meant to be natural, but it’s far from being easy, especially in the beginning.
Finding the perfect breastfeeding routine, latch and position can be a steep learning curve. Not to mention, your breastfeeding “partner” ― also known as chubby bubby ― can be pretty demanding in the early days.
Unless it all comes together, the entire breastfeeding process can be intimidating, messy and downright awkward. Very often, this is enough to discourage a new mum from continuing on her breastfeeding quest.
Nursing can be a pain-and-a-half ― we won’t lie. But it doesn’t have to spell doom. We’ve trialed some of the best tools out there to help ease your breastfeeding journey.
Don’t leave home without our top 10 breastfeeding must-haves!
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream
PRICE $15.90/40ml
FROM Pupsik
WHAT Made from 100 per cent pure lanolin ― a waxy substance harvested from the sebaceous glands of sheep ― this product has a proven track record for soothing and protecting cracked and sore nipples. No surprises then that it’s the only topical nipple treatment endorsed by the La Leche League International breastfeeding experts. Since it doesn’t contain any preservatives or harmful substances, contact is perfectly safe for baby, so you can even use it right before a feed.
PARENTS SAY “Very helpful during my initial days of breastfeeding as it soothed my bleeding nipples,” says mum-of-one Rajini Krishnamoorthy.
Philips Avent Disposable Breast Pads (Night Pads)
PRICE $7.90/20 pieces
FROM Lazada
WHAT Contoured to fit over your breasts perfectly, these ultra-thin pads are absorbent enough to soak up any unexpected “spills” when you’re in public or sleeping. Adhesive strips keep the pads in place, while the silky soft top sheet promises maximum comfort and won’t irritate cracked nipples.
PARENTS SAY “I used them all the time to soak up any leakage or possible let-down especially when I was out. It never got wet or uncomfortable,” notes Sylvia Lim, a mother of three girls.
Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra
PRICE $69.90
FROM Pupsik Studio
WHAT Highly recommended by lactation consultants, this award-winning bra has received the “Parent Tested, Parent Approved” seal of approval for quality and comfort. Designed to adapt to the changing shape of your breasts, it’s the perfect companion throughout nursing and beyond. Mums will also love it for the convenient cups that unclip at the shoulder, so bubba has easy and quick access to your breasts any time. Available in white, black, nude and silver.
PARENTS SAY “I’ve tried many brands of nursing bras, but this is hands-down my most favourite because of the comfort. I wore it throughout breastfeeding and even after until they were worn out. Definitely my top pick for when I have my next baby,” Rajini enthuses.
Clevamama ClevaCushion 10 in 1 Nursing Pillow
PRICE $89.90
FROM Pupsik Studio
WHAT Wrap this pillow around your waist and prop your little one on it when you feed them, so that they are at your level and you won’t have to hunch over to feed. An adjustable strap gives the extra support and stability needed during feeding (breast or bottle), while the additional cushion insert transforms the nursing pillow into a little baby nest for baby to rest and play on. You can also attach tactile toys to the pillow to make playtime fun for your little fella.
PARERTS SAY “Loved using this while breastfeeding my newborns to give my arms a break from all that carrying,” says Lim.
Peek ’n’ Drink Nursing Cover
PRICE $39.90
FROM Pupsik Studio
WHAT Made from lightweight cotton and available in 14 quirky designs, this stylish cover allows you to nurse on the go comfortably and discreetly. The unique adjustable “tie-back” feature keeps the cover in place, while the wired neckline blocks out outside stimulation, so that baby can nurse in peace, yet is wide enough for you to keep an eye on him. The side pockets also come in handy for carrying burp clothes or wipes.
PARENTS SAY “Easy to carry around and wash. I like the wired opening as it allows me to peek in when baby is feeding to correct his latch or position when we’re out in public,” says Claire Chang, mum to 6-month-old Jason. (Photo: Mothercare)
Medela Freestyle Breast Pump Deluxe Set
FROM Lazada
WHAT This ultra-lightweight and easy-to-use double electric breast pump provides true pumping mobility for the busy mum. Plus, it simulates natural nursing patterns to encourage maximum milk flow. Besides a digital display, it has a memory button, timer and backlight to track and record pumping sessions easily. The deluxe set includes a microfibre carry bag, cooler set and two additional bottles ― everything you need for on-the-go pumping.
PARENTS SAY “A bit on the pricey side, but worth it as it’s very powerful, efficient and gets the job done in half the time, compared to manual pumps,” says Lim. (Photo: Lazada)
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles
PRICE $39.90/260ml bottles (triple pack)
FROM Lazada
WHAT If you’re worried that bub might have nipple confusion when switching between breast- and bottle-feeding, let Tommee Tippee put your mind at ease. The award-winning Closer to Nature’s range has an extra-wide easy-to-latch-on nipple shape, designed by breastfeeding experts to mimic nursing’s natural flex, stretch and movement. The super-soft silicone teat moves in multiple directions, while the bottle is contoured such that your bub’s mouth is securely sealed during feedings, reducing ingestion of air and tummy discomfort.
PARENTS SAY “Bottles are light and my baby immediately took to the nipple. I also liked that there were not that many parts to wash, unlike other bottles,” notes Nur Hidaya, a mother of two boys.
Earth Mama Angel Baby Booby Tubes
PRICE $76/a pair
FROM Qoo10
WHAT Filled with all-natural flax seed, these organic cotton tubes can be used warm or cold to tackle a variety of breastfeeding snags. Keep them in a freezer or heat them up in a microwave, or pre-heated oven, and use them to reduce swelling and ease breast tenderness caused by engorgement. They also help to prevent clogged milk ducts and relieve symptoms of breastfeeding-related infection or mastitis.
PARENTS SAY “I bought these to deal with my engorgement when my milk first came in, but I noticed it also helped when I went back to work and was experiencing low milk supply. I would heat them in the microwave and place them on me before I pumped and I notice I manage pump more!” says Nur Hidaya. (Photo: Pupsik Studio)
Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra
PRICE $44.90
FROM Pupsik Studio
WHAT This thoughtfully-produced bra allows you to pump breastmilk while doing a dozen other things, or to simply kick back and relax. Made from soft, adjustable material and can go under your clothes, it fits all body types. Don’t be fooled by its soft material by the way, the top is durable enough to support two bottles full of milk.
PARENTS SAY “Extremely useful product. You can pump hands-free while carrying out other tasks. I used this when I returned to work and pumped as I used my computer,” says mum Katie Pereira. (Photo: Pupsik Studio)
Milkies Milk-Saver
PRICE $52.90
FROM Pupsik Studio
WHAT Save every drop of that precious gold! Slip this slim bag into your bra-cup on the non-nursing side before you breastfeed or pump and it’ll collect any breastmilk that leaks out when you have a let down. Then store this milk and use it anytime it’s needed or add to your expressed stash. Each bag holds up to 60 ml of milk.
PARENTS SAY “It’s a bit bulky, but still useful for ‘catching’ my milk and saves me the hassle of using a bottle,” says Pereira. (Photo: Pupsik Studio)
Check out our other product reviews here.
Main photo: iStock
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